a Difference

One Watt Making at a Time

Introduction

Earths Climate
ly 70% of present
Liquid water present ~4.3 billion years

History
Life 3 million years ago

Solar
Sun

Solar
Energy

Sun

Radiation
Cooling

Earths Temperature

Solar

Sun

Energy

Radiation
Cooling

Sun

Earths Temperature

Greenhouse Effect

Gases
Nitrogen (N2)
Oxygen (O2)

NonGreenhouse
Gases
99%

Water (H2O)
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Methane (CH4)

Greenhouse
Gases
1%

The U.S. emits about 6.4 billion metric

tons of greenhouse gases annually, 25%
of the worlds total.

6.4 billion metric tons

CO2/yr

These greenhouse gases last a

long time
Carbon dioxide stays in the
atmosphere for approximately
100 years, methane lasts about
12 years. Other greenhouse
gases last even longer.

Warming begets more warming

As these gases continue to raise surface
temperatures, they trigger the release of even
greater quantities of carbon dioxide and methane
that are currently trapped in frozen Arctic
permafrost and tundra soils, further increasing
temperatures.

A feedback mechanism ensues

potentially causing runaway global warming.

Carbon (109 metric tons)

Worldwide Carbon Emissions

8
7
6
5

Total
Liquid fuel
Solid fuel
Gas fuel

4
3
2
1
0
1750

1800

1850
1900
Year

1950

2000

Small changes really add up

Replace your old refrigerator

with a new Energy Star:
Annual savings:
$90; 700 pounds CO2

Set your thermostat down a few

degrees in the winter
Annual savings:
$135; 1400 pounds CO2
Drive JUST 10 fewer miles per week
Annual savings:
$80; 520 pounds CO2

Wash clothes in cold water only

Annual savings:
$70; 500 pounds CO2

Caulk and weather-strip around doors

and windows
Annual savings:
$80; 650 pounds CO2

Reduce your garbage by 10%

through greater recycling or reduced
packaging
Annual savings:
1200 pounds CO2

These are mid-range estimates

from published sources; your
savings may vary.
*